by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The three-way race to become Duval County’s next tax collector might not be the most exciting, said one candidate, but it could arguably be the most important on the ballot.
Michael Corrigan, Dick Kravitz and Ryan Taylor, the three vying for the job, spent Monday evening at the Aloft hotel explaining to the Jacksonville Young Republicans why they should succeed mayoral candidate Mike Hogan as the next tax collector.
Corrigan, a former City Council president, stressed his business and council background and his goal to re-motivate employees to bring out the best in the office.
Kravitz, a former state representative and council member, described his turnaround efforts in minor league baseball teams by reducing expenses.
“I’m good at that,” said Kravitz, on the turnarounds.
Taylor, who currently works in the tax collector’s office, described his information technology background and stressed the importance of automated services as part of his platform.
“I know the business,” said Taylor. “I can step in Day One and do that.”
The three were asked several questions, including what steps they’d take to save the office money.
Kravitz and Taylor both stressed better customer service and training in addition to more automated payment services to enhance taxpayer service.
Corrigan discussed the need for “doing more with less” while challenging employees to bring out the best in the office.
On the issue of how they would deal with rising delinquent property taxes, each candidate referred to customer service and the need to work with those dealing with the hardships of the economic downturn.
“As much as we need revenue, we need people in their homes as well,” said Corrigan.
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